Not Thursday at The Bridge
OXFORD’S MUSICALLY inclined have long been willing to put in the time and an extra fiver to embrace the Tube and head towards London for a good night out. While we all appreciate the ample legroom and air conditioning, it is always nice when the mountain comes to Mohammed and a club night of HDIF’s calibre decides that it should pay us a visit instead.
With a music policy to die for and guest DJs ranging from Belle & Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch to Felt’s Phil King, expect a night of indiepop, sixties girl groups, Northern Soul and Motown, all enhanced by the awkward, exuberant dancing of the c i t y ’ s twee brigade, as once a month the skinny ties c ome out in force to pick their vintageheeled way towards the Jericho Tavern.
The venue is a mix of leather sofas and raised dancefloors and while the cameras screening your best moves to the screens in the bar are a little unnerving, after a few (admittedly pricey) drinks you will forget all about them. Requests are welcomed, although the DJing is normally spotson, second-guessing what the crowd wants to hear before the crowd really know themselves. Do not expect to hear the usual indie mob pleasers though.
The Killers have no place at HDIF, the emphasis being firmly placed on fun retro classics and fey nineties pop anthems. In the club’s own words, “We love guitars that jangle, we love footstomping melodies and huge choruses.” Good times then, this is the closest you will come to being loved by a club night.
25th May 2006